The scientific community is divided on whether mpox should be given the label of a sexually transmitted disease (STD), with targeted public health interventions to contain it.
About Mpox:
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a zoonotic viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus.
Mpox is characterized by rash or skin lesions that are usually concentrated on the face, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet.
The first human case of mpox was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
There are two known subtypes of mpox:
Clade I: It is endemic to Central Africa. It tends to cause more serious illness than clade II. Recent outbreaks of clade I have been less deadly.
Clade II: It is endemic to East Africa. There’s been a global outbreak of clade II mpox since 2022. It’s less likely to be fatal than clade I.
Transmission:
MPXV is transmitted to people by close contact with infected animals or people or by touching virus-contaminated materials.
It enters the body through (often invisible) injuries or wounds in the skin, or the mucous membranes.
Mpox can be passed from one person to another during sexual contact.
During pregnancy, the virus may be passed to the fetus, or to the newborn during or after birth.
Symptoms:
Common symptoms of mpox are a skin rash or mucosal lesions, which can last 2–4 weeks, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.
Mpox symptoms often resolve on their own without the need for treatment.
Treatment:
There are no specific treatments for monkeypox virus infection.
Treatment for most people with mpox is to relieve symptoms.
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